Feeling blue and depressed during the dark, cold winter months? According to a
study published in the Brittish medical journal, The Lancet (December
7,2002;360:1840-1842), this dip in mood may be caused by lowered levels of
serotonin, a chemical in the brain. Serotonin levels are low in people with
depression and also in healthy people during the winter (SAD).

In the study, blood samples were taken from blood vessels leading to the brain
in 101 healthy men at several different times over a one year period. Results
indicated that the activity of serotonin-containing neurons was lowest during
the fall and winter and highest in the spring and summer, when sunlight is most
plentiful.

In the study, serotonin neuron activity was higher on brighter days than darker
days, even within the same season. This suggests that levels of serotonin in
the brain were directly related to how much sunlight was available on the day
the sample was taken. Though this study involved men, researchers say that
women likely experience a drop in serotonin levels during the winter as well,
though the actual amount may differ according to gender. Additionally,
researchers note that results point to a biological reason for SAD, which may
help to displace some of the skepticism regarding this, and other, mental
illnesses.

In treating sufferers of SAD, patients are exposed to bright light, a technique
known as phototherapy. Since serotonin levels rise in the brain on bright days
with a lot of sunlight, bright light may boost mood by activating neurons in
the brain that contain serotonin, leading to increased levels of the chemical
in the brain, according to the researchers.

SAD Lightbox From Tan Plus

It is estimated that 10 million people in the United States alone experience the
effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), while another 25 million suffer
from a milder version sometimes referred to as winter depression. Light
therapy, also called bright light therapy or phototherapy, has been used to
treat SAD since the early 1980s. Many mental health professionals now consider
light therapy to be standard treatment for seasonal affective disorder. Since 1995, under the Essentials Of Life division, Tan Plus has sold the Aurora™ light boxes and other "natural" lighting products in partnership with Lumiram, the largest
manufacturer of full spectrum lighting for home, office, and industry.

Commonly referred to as a "light box", the Aurora is specifically engineered for
those who have shown to be adversely affected by the lack of natural sunlight
during the dark and depressing fall and winter months. The condition is
referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or winter depression. The
light box intensity of 10,000 lux is much brighter than normal indoor light
which is usually 300-500 lux, but not as bright as summer sunlight which can be
as bright as 100,000 lux. Light therapy units do not emit UV rays and therefore
do not produce a tan or vitamin D.

Light Therapy Has Potential Benefits For People With Sad And May Be Helpful If
You:

• Don't want to take medications such as antidepressants

• Can't tolerate the side effects of antidepressants

• Tried antidepressants but they haven't been effective

• Want an alternative to psychotherapy

• Are pregnant and concerned about the effects of antidepressants on your
developing fetus

• Lack insurance coverage for mental health services

Light therapy may be helpful in treating conditions other than SAD. However, it
shouldn't be a substitute for standard treatment. And keep in mind that little
research has been done using light therapy for other disorders. These other
disorders may include:

Tanning & Natural Health News is a publication of Tan Plus /Essentials Of Life, Barclay
Square, 350 Route 108, Somersworth, NH. This publication is designed for
educational purposes only and is not intended to be presented as medical
advice. Product statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.